The smallest independent country in the world is The Vatican, the second smallest is: Monaco - 0.7 square miles - The tiny state of Monaco lies along the French Riviera on the French Mediterranean coast near Nice. An impressive 32,000 people live in this state known for its Monte Carlo casinos and Princess Grace. It has been independent off-and-on since the 13th century. Area: 0.7 sq. mi; about the size of New York Citys Central Park. City: Capital--Monaco, pop. 32,409 Terrain: Hilly. Climate: Mediterranean. Nationality: Noun and adjective--Monegasque. Population: 32,543 Annual growth rate 0.4%. Ethnic groups French 47%, Italian 16%, Monegasque 16%, other 21%. Religions: Roman Catholic 90% Languages: French (official), English, Italian, and Monegasque. Government Type: Constitutional monarchy. Constitution: December 17, 1962 (amended in April 2002). Branches: Executive--Prince Albert II (chief of state). Legislative--National Council (24 members). Judicial--Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, High Court of Appeal, Criminal Court, Supreme Court. Subdivisions: Four quarters (quartiers)--Monaco-Ville, La Condamine, Monte-Carlo, Fontvieille. Political parties: Union pour Monaco (UPM), National and Democratic Union (UND), Parti Monégasque (PM). Economy GDP: Monaco does not publish economic figures such as gross domestic product, though estimates placed purchasing power parity GDP at $870 million in 2000. Avg. annual growth rate 1.89%. Per capita purchasing power parity GDP $27,000. Agriculture: None. Industry: Types--tourism, construction, chemicals, food products, plastics, precision instruments, cosmetics, ceramics. Currency: Monaco, along with France and the other 11 members of the European Monetary Union (EMU), adopted the euro as its official currency on January 1, 2002. As in other EMU states, Euros minted in Monaco have special Monegasque features on one side of the coin. GEOGRAPHY The Principality of Monaco is the second-smallest independent state in the world, after the Holy See (Vatican City). It is located on the Mediterranean coast, 11 mi. east of Nice, France, and is surrounded on three sides by France. Monaco is divided into four sections: Monaco-Ville, the old city on a rocky promontory extending into the Mediterranean; La Condamine, the section along the port; Monte-Carlo, the principal residential and resort area; and Fontvieille, a newly constructed area reclaimed from the sea. The principality is noted for its beautiful natural scenery and mild, sunny climate. The average minimum temperature in January and February is 47F; in July and August the average maximum temperature is 78F.
Posted on: Thu, 07 Nov 2013 18:54:43 +0000
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